The Forum of Northern Christians (FNC), also known as the Northern Christian Association (NCA), has condemned the surge in violent attacks across several northern states, saying the bloodshed has overshadowed Easter celebrations. Recent assaults in Jos, Plateau State, and parts of Kaduna State—some occurring on Palm Sunday—led to multiple deaths and displaced families during a period meant for spiritual reflection. The group cited ongoing violence in Benue, Borno, Niger, and Taraba states, with killings and abductions fueling fear and instability. In a statement signed by Chairman Rev. Joseph John Hayab and Secretary General Bishop Mohammed Naga, the NCA questioned the effectiveness of current security measures and warned that repeated attacks risk normalizing violence. The association urged the Federal Government and security agencies to move beyond verbal condemnations and implement sustained, strategic actions to stop the bloodshed and prosecute those responsible. Religious, traditional, and community leaders were called upon to promote unity and peaceful coexistence. Despite the unrest, the NCA said Easter remains a symbol of hope, urging Christians to stand firm in faith. The group reiterated its vision of a Northern Nigeria where people of all faiths can live and worship freely, without fear.
Rev. Joseph John Hayab and Bishop Mohammed Naga are speaking for thousands whose Easter was marked not by celebration but by loss—again. When attacks recur with such frequency in Jos, Kaduna, and beyond, official statements begin to sound like rituals of convenience rather than responses to failure. The NCA's call for action exposes a grim reality: citizens are losing faith not just in security forces, but in the idea that their lives are a priority. Until operations match the scale of the crisis, prayers may be the only protection some communities believe they have.
